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Title: Why You Need a Cover Letter...
Written By: Jenn Givler
Web Site: http://www.JGivler.com
© 2006 Jenn Givler
In my experience as a corporate recruiter, one of my biggest pet peeves is candidates sending in resumes with no cover letter. A cover letter is not only your chance to introduce yourself to the employer, but it is a chance to explain your resume. If you send me a resume without a cover letter, chances are good that I won't even look at your resume. Not sending a cover letter sends a message that you are lazy, and that you don't think your work through carefully. When I get a resume without a cover letter, I assume the candidate is quickly and carelessly sending their resume to any and every job that's posted. That is not a candidate I want to take a chance on.
The other thing is, if you are applying for an administrative assistant position, and your resume only shows retail experience, I need to know why you are applying for an administrative assistant position. Your cover letter is your chance to tell me that. Also, if you have a big gap in your employment, I want to know why. Again, your cover letter is your chance to explain that. If I see a resume with a big gap in employment and there is no cover letter to explain the reason, I pass on the resume. Gaps in employment happen for many valid reasons. But, if you don't take the time to explain it in a cover letter, the recruiter will make assumptions about your ability to handle a job, and they will likely move on to the next candidate.
Another great thing to explain in a cover letter is what I call job jumping - or job hopping. If you have had more than say 3 jobs in a short period, you need to explain your reasons for leaving each position. Again, there are many valid reasons for job hopping, but I need to know what your reasons were. Were you just unlucky and laid off? Or, were the positions not what you expected when you began working in the job? It's important to explain your reasons for seeking new employment so quickly. Sending a resume with too many jobs in a short period of time sends a message that you aren't satisfied and that you will likely not be in my position for too long.
Something else I see a lot is candidates that apply for jobs that are clearly below their skill sets. For example, if I have an entry-level position available, and you have 5 years of experience, I am probably going to pass on your resume. The reason being, you're probably making more money than my position pays, and, if you have that much experience, you are going to get bored very quickly in an entry-level position. Unless you have a good reason for taking a step down and explain it to me in your cover letter, I will pass on your resume.
The last thing that is vitally important in your cover letter is to tell me what your salary expectation is. Again, if you are applying for my position, and you are out of my salary range, I am not going to consider you as a candidate. But, that is actually better for you. As you work, you gain experience, and you should be paid what you're worth. If you apply for a position that is below your skill set, you will not be satisfied in that position for long. Don't short-change yourself. Be sure that you are compensated according to what you're worth, and don't be afraid to hold out until you find an employer that is willing to do so. When changing jobs, always take a step up.
Make your cover letters work for you! By sending a well-thought-out cover letter that explains why you are qualified for a position, and one that explains anything out-of-the-ordinary on your resume, you immensely increase your chances of being contacted for a position. Your new position should be rewarding, should match your skill-set, and should pay you what you are worth. Always send a cover letter - it can be your best sales tool.
About the Author
Jenn Givler is owner of J. Givler Consulting - http://www.jgivler.com. Our mission is to help you become empowered, put yourself first and be centered and grounded in who you are and what you want out of this life. Through our career and life coaching sessions, we can help you set goals and achieve your dreams. We also offer resume writing and consultation services, as well as interview coaching services. Visit our web site and sign up for our newsletter: Clearly You!
Today's article was originally received for publication in June 2005. The author has given full permission to publish it either electronically or in print, free of charge in your ezines, newsletters or on your websites, as long as the article content remains unchanged as is published here today and that the authors copyright with resource box is included.
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